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Thread: Tents...

  1. #1
    me, myself, and I Trabitha's Avatar
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    Default Tents...

    Don't think this is "survival" exactly...but I didn't know where else to put it.

    So I came across this tent before and thought it was pretty good. I came across it again at Gander Mountain and the price was down to 150.00 (it's only 150.00 in the store) so I thought I would revisit it.
    http://www.gandermountain.com/modper...D&merchID=4006

    It's got quite a few people singing it's praises, but I was wondering if anyone here has ever used one of these for backpacking and what they think. I desperately need a lighter tent that's big enough for 2 adults, one child, and our gear...and this SEEMS to fit the bill.
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  2. #2

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    I used the Eureka Timberline 30 years ago. It is a classic. It is a little heavy by todays standards for backpacking. I love the way it assembles and was very tough. Comfortable too. I still think they are one of better values I've seen.

  3. #3
    me, myself, and I Trabitha's Avatar
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    I agree...even though it's a little less than 8lbs...it is still heavy compared to most. I'm having a hard time finding one lighter that will be that size though...
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    Eureka makes the "Bombshelter" Tents that are the standard in the Alaska Guiding Industry. Long ago I owned that "A"-Frame tent in two different sizes, I think they then offered it in three sizes. It is a good tent, easy to set-up by one person, but you need the FLY, and there was no mention of the rain fly in the ad that I saw, I may have missed it. The Fly is what gives it the strength. It is a three season tent, and I now only use four season tents. It is a good tent for the money.

  5. #5
    Super Moderator crashdive123's Avatar
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    Trabitha - they are good tents, but shop around. You can do better on the price. http://www.sportsauthority.com/produ...LAID=126060006
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    me, myself, and I Trabitha's Avatar
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    Thanks for the feedback and DOUBLE thanks for the link to the better price! I'm a gonna have to see if I can get it even cheaper.
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    me, myself, and I Trabitha's Avatar
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    Bummer...that's a 2 person tent, Crash. I'm looking for the Timberline 4 Backpacking Tent. I'm gonna shop around though.
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    Quote Originally Posted by crashdive123 View Post
    Trabitha - they are good tents, but shop around. You can do better on the price. http://www.sportsauthority.com/produ...LAID=126060006

    NOTE: That is a SMALLER Tent, the 2 person size. I think they made a 2 - 4 - 6 man versions of this tent. I ended up using my 6 man model the most, but then I was not Back Packing it, but hauling it in the Super Cub.

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    It is heavy. But, you won't find a lighter better tent in the same price range. To go lighter, you would have to spend more, get a smaller 3 person tent, or get a floorless tent or tarp. By the way, Campmor is selling it for the same price, $179.90.
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  10. #10

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    To me, almost all tents are too heavy. 8 lbs is just rediculous. Thats like 30% or more of my average pack weight. Unless they come out with super lieghtwieght (like 2 pounds) tents, im sticking with a tarp.

  11. #11
    me, myself, and I Trabitha's Avatar
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    In the PA mountains the temp, wind, and precipitation can change at a drop of a dime. If I'm going to go hiking all day, the last thing I want to do is sleep in bad weather and get eaten alive. Now if I NEED to in a survival situation, I can and have...but if I'm hiking for a weekend getaway with the family, NO WAY.

    I'm not one who goes out of her way to have a pack that weighs no more than 10lbs. If I need it, it comes. I've hiked with much more than that on my back. I'm just not bothered by it.
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    Not a Mod finallyME's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by justin_baker View Post
    To me, almost all tents are too heavy. 8 lbs is just rediculous. Thats like 30% or more of my average pack weight. Unless they come out with super lieghtwieght (like 2 pounds) tents, im sticking with a tarp.
    They make tents that are under 2 lbs. They are 1 person tents. You can also buy 2 man tents that are under 3 lbs.

    http://www.tarptent.com/products.html
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    Not a Mod finallyME's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Trabitha View Post
    In the PA mountains the temp, wind, and precipitation can change at a drop of a dime. If I'm going to go hiking all day, the last thing I want to do is sleep in bad weather and get eaten alive. Now if I NEED to in a survival situation, I can and have...but if I'm hiking for a weekend getaway with the family, NO WAY.

    I'm not one who goes out of her way to have a pack that weighs no more than 10lbs. If I need it, it comes. I've hiked with much more than that on my back. I'm just not bothered by it.

    I didn't know PA had mountains.........more like hills.

    Anyways, you can sleep warm and dry in a bug free space without a tent and using a tarp. Lots of people do it. It is just a matter of breaking with the norm. But, that doesn't mean carrying a tent is bad. Everyone has their own style and likes and dislikes.
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  14. #14

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    When splitting the load between several people a larger tent can actually be lighter. You have to divide the weight between the number of people carrying the load.

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    Remember to always take the number of sleepers the tent is rated for and divide it in half for the number of sleepers it will sleep comfortably.

  16. #16
    me, myself, and I Trabitha's Avatar
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    Yeah...that's what I wanted to do, but then I would have to get a 6 person tent...and that's just far too big to hike with, and outside my budget. It's only my husband, myself, and my 11 year old...so I think we will be fine with a 4 person. I know we sleep fine in our current 4 person with 2 air mattresses...we couldn't fit our packs...but we slept. This one is much larger and looks like it has a lot more usable space in it. Unlike domes.
    My hubby picked it up today! Can't wait to put it up this weekend and see what it looks like. We missed the sale...but it was only 30.00 more than we thought.
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  17. #17
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    I have used both 4 and 6 person models for a youth group for several years and they were teenager proof. Great tents as they have Aluminum poles. They are a bit on the heavy side, but really durable and good in a downpour.
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  18. #18
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    There you have it folks. No greater claim can be made of anything than it's "teenager proof".
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    You want to see what a tent will stand up to?

    Put it up in the field behind the wood lot and tell your teenagers they can have a party!

    You WILL have a gear test.
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  20. #20
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    Cool Consider....

    You need to look at all of the factors in your case:

    1.) How many in the family & what are the specifics: Ht., wt, ages, etc..

    2.) How much money you want to lay out.

    3.) Will you use the tent for backpacking, or just general camping? Or both?

    4.) Should you buy new or used?

    5.) Remember, you get what you pay for so shop wisely & avoid unknown brands!

    Campmor sells used tents in their section entitled "slightly soiled tents."(returns.)
    http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/...0226_200368494

    Also keep checking with this company as they're always adding stuff to their inventory: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/?af...Processed=true

    Hope this helps.
    Last edited by Sarge47; 05-15-2010 at 08:39 AM.
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